Cash-strapped AIFF forms two separate committees to review ISL and I-League clubs’ proposals again
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) formed two separate committees after its annual general meeting on Saturday to discuss proposals of ISL and I-League clubs before formulating a plan to organize the country’s two topmost competitions. Having received offers that would have only regulatory and statutory authority and rights fee amounts far less than what it has received from its erstwhile commercial partner, Reliance-owned FSDL (Rs 50 crore per annum on average), the AIFF has decided to explore whether it could conduct the league on its own. ISL clubs insist they were compelled to put forward an offer where they would enjoy absolute authority over key areas since AIFF hasn’t yet put any plan for consideration. The AIFF faced a blow as it announced a deficit of Rs 25.88 crore in the budget for January to May 2026, at the AGM. Despite the acute financial crisis one of the senior executive committee members asserted that that AIFF itself would organize the league after some members expressed reservations n proposals of guaranteed income of Rs 10 crore from 2026-27 for grant of Rs 10 Crores perpetually and Rs 50 crore in 15 years from I-League sides (Rs 2.75 crore per annum for first five years, Rs 3.25 crore per annum for the next five and Rs 4 crore for the last 15). No immediate indication was forthcoming regarding the procurement of funds to organize the two leagues. However, two separate four-member committees, involving three state unit officials and Deputy Secretary M. Satyanarayan as chairperson of both, would engage with the clubs to find a feasible way. AIFF has a fixed deposit of Rs 50 crore, though it wasn’t instantly clear if it would be used in these times of acute stress. The two committees would submit reports by 29th December, which could then be taken up by the Union Sports Ministry for placement in front of the Supreme Court when it resumes on 5th January in the new year after a winter break. “If necessary, the AIFF will consult with FIFA and the AFC to review how similar situations in other nations were handled as precedents,” AIFF said in its statement.
I-League Clubs’ proposal to the AIFF for a new League with 18 teams!
I-League clubs have submitted a proposal to revive the I-League. According to the plans, a new league, to be named Indian Football Premier League (IFPL) can be hosted by the clubs themselves. According to the proposed plans I-League clubs will form a consortium and they are reportedly ready to contribute Rs. 50 crore in total to AIFF for the next 15 years to make this vision a reality. Meanwhile, AIFF executive committee member Avijit Paul has sent a strong email to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey opposing the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs’ offer of Rs 10 Crore to the AIFF from the next season. Paul calls the proposal “unacceptable” and an attempt to undermine the authority of Indian football’s top governing body. In his letter, Paul responded to the joint communication sent by a majority of ISL clubs to the AIFF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which proposed granting perpetual rights to a club-owned company to operate India’s top-tier professional league under its regulatory oversight. The AIFF Executive Committee member said the proposal conflicts with its Constitution and ongoing legal proceedings before the Supreme Court of India.
T-20 World Cup: Kishan back, Gill out from Indian team
Ishan Kishan returned to the Indian team for the forthcoming T-20 World Cup after a gap of more than two years. The T-20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in February next year. BCCI announced the team on Saturday. Kishan, whose last T20 international was against Australia in 2023, has proved his mettle in domestic and first-class cricket. Ishan Kishan had an outstanding performance in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was the highest scorer with 571 runs, guiding Jharkhand to clinch the title. The 15-member squad, announced for the T20 World Cup 2026, will also feature in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January. However, Shubman Gill has missed out on a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad, with his recent numbers in the format weighing heavily against him. The India Test captain has gone 18 T20I innings without a half-century, a prolonged drought that has weakened his case in a format driven by output and immediacy. The recently concluded T-20I series against South Africa did little to change perceptions. Gill managed scores of 4, 0 and 28, reinforcing concerns over his impact and reliability at the top of the order.
Bala Devi still a strength, says Technical Director; Fitness trainer’s inclusion bolsters the girls
The think-tank of Shreebhumi FC seems more positive this year, ahead of their second season in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), which finished third in their debut in the elite Indian Women’s League (IWL) last season. One of the reasons is the inclusion of a fitness and a physical trainer. Technical Director, Shukla Dutta, says, “The girls look fitter, more competitive this time in the training.” The team have been preparing for almost a month at Kalyani Stadium ground. The team’s chief coach, Sujata Kar also agreed to the point, stating, “Fitness and physical trainer’s joining have strengthened the preparation. Still, we did not get 11 of our footballers during most of our preparation as all of them went to play for the country in the under-17 and under-20 categories.” Shreebhumi FC has signed a few Indian internationals, including Anju Tamang, Shibani Nongmeikapan, and Thoibisana Toijam, along with seasoned campaigners like Rimpa Halder, Moushumi Murmu, and Bala Devi, who wore Shreebhumi FC shirts last season. Sujata herself also wants to make a fresh beginning after a gloomy phase as the coach of Southern Samity in the CFL last season. “I am always in a learning process. So, I am looking forward to a new season to prove my mettle again,” added the coach. When asked about the players’ strength in the team, Shukla Dutta mentioned Bala’s name, adding, “She has a huge experience and she still guides the youngsters in a way that has been an example and additional motivation for them. I feel Bala Devi is still a strength for us.”
